Taiwo Popoola
The Nigerian Senate has expressed its determination to eliminate illegal mining activities that have been depriving the federal government of significant revenue and contributing to food and physical insecurity across the country.
The Senate also aims to establish a safer and more profitable mining sector.
Speaking over the weekend when he led a delegation to Niger State to investigate the recent collapse of a mining pit that claimed around 30 lives, Senator Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, emphasized that illegal and unregulated mining operations are major obstacles to realizing the multi-billion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s minerals sector, with unauthorized miners using unsafe and environmentally harmful practices.
He noted that the illegal mining practices, which use crude methods and little regard for safety, continue to undermine our mining sector’s potential and threaten environmental and public health, assuring that the Senate remains committed to creating legislative solutions to support the growth and safety of Nigeria’s mining industry.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State while responding to the committee’s visit, said that the state was ready to work with the National Assembly to enact laws that would reform the mining sector to benefit all stakeholders, federal and state governments, local communities, and miners.
Bago explained that “Responsible Mining” is a new initiative, inspired by models seen in Brazil, that would require companies to provide community support, such as potable water, healthcare, and education, to offset the impacts of mining.
The chairman of the Senate committee on Solid Minerals conveyed condolences to the people of Niger State for the tragic June 3, 2024, mining site collapse in Shiroro that caused significant fatalities and displaced many families and praised the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for their swift response to the disaster and urged for further assistance to the affected families.
According to him, “Mining incidents like the one in Shiroro are far too common, and the sector loses substantial revenue daily due to unauthorized, black-market-style mining that has also fueled insecurity. We must collaborate to address these challenges and protect our national resources.”
He stressed the economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, saying that curbing illegal mining could generate substantial revenue, diversify the economy, and boost Nigeria’s GDP.
Governor Bago assured the Senate of Niger State’s commitment to advancing responsible mining practices, pointing out that artisanal mining has led to loss of lives and property and has fueled insecurity, but with a responsible mining bill, they can ensure mining activities are sustainable and beneficial for communities.
